For many first-timers, walking up to a bustling craps table in a casino can feel intimidating. Seasoned players throw chips, shout commands, and toss dice with a practiced flair. Yet beneath the flurry of excitement, craps remains one of the most accessible—and social—casino games when stripped to its fundamentals. With a few key rules and betting basics, newcomers can navigate the table with confidence.
Craps stands apart for its electric atmosphere and unique etiquette. Unlike many other casino games, players band together, often rooting for the shooter. This sense of camaraderie, combined with a relatively low house edge on certain bets, helps explain its enduring popularity in destinations from Las Vegas to Monte Carlo. Still, mastering the flow of the game starts with learning its core mechanics.
The Flow of the Craps Table
Craps Table Layout and Roles
A standard craps table features a padded rail, chip racks, and a distinctive felt layout displaying a variety of betting areas. The action centers around the shooter—the person rolling the dice—and a team of casino staff: dealers, a stickman, and a boxman overseeing play.
Throughout each round, two dice are passed to the shooter, who must roll them so they bounce off the opposite end of the table. This ensures a fair toss and an element of unpredictability. Anyone at the table can become the shooter, provided they place a bet on the key opening wager: the Pass Line.
Sequence of Play
- Come-Out Roll: Play begins with the shooter’s first roll, called the “come-out.” If the total is 7 or 11, Pass Line bettors win instantly. If it’s 2, 3, or 12 (called “craps”), Pass Line bets lose.
- Establishing the Point: Rolling 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 sets the “point” number, marked by the dealer with a white puck.
- Rolling for the Point: The shooter continues rolling until they hit the point again (Pass Line wins) or roll a 7 (Pass Line loses, called “seven out”). At this stage, many additional bets come into play.
“Craps is not just about luck, but understanding its flow and structure. New players who take time to grasp the basics find themselves blending into the action quickly,” says Mark H., a casino floor manager in Reno.
Core Craps Bets for Beginners
Many of the most popular craps bets offer both simplicity and relatively favorable odds. While the table offers a plethora of betting choices, focusing on a handful of core wagers makes it easy for new players to join in.
The Pass Line Bet
Arguably the most iconic craps wager, the Pass Line bet is placed before the come-out roll. If the shooter wins on the come-out (7 or 11), Pass Line bettors are paid even money. If a point is set and the shooter rolls that number before a 7, the Pass Line also pays out.
The Don’t Pass Line
The Don’t Pass Line is essentially the opposite, betting that the shooter will not succeed. Here, 2 or 3 win on the come-out and 7 or 11 lose, with 12 resulting in a tie (push). After a point is established, players want the shooter to roll a 7 before repeating the point.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
These bets mimic the Pass and Don’t Pass wagers, but can be placed after a point is set, following a similar win/loss structure. Come and Don’t Come bets provide flexibility for mid-round action.
The Odds Bet
Often called the best bet in the casino due to its zero house edge, the Odds bet is an additional wager placed behind an active Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bet after a point is established. The payout matches the true odds (varies by point), further minimizing the house advantage.
Summary of Beginner Bets
- Best for simplicity and value: Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and Odds bets
- Best for variety: Come/Don’t Come after the point is set
- Avoid complex “proposition bets” in the center of the table until you gain experience, as these typically have a much higher house edge.
Navigating Advanced Bets and Table Etiquette
Exploring Additional Bets
The craps layout tempts newcomers with a variety of complex wagers, from betting on specific dice combinations (proposition bets) to wagering on certain numbers hitting before a 7 (place bets). While these offer the allure of higher payouts, they also involve considerably higher house edges and volatility.
Experienced players might try place bets (betting a number will roll before a 7) or field bets (one-roll wagers on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12), but most experts recommend mastering basics before venturing further.
Table Etiquette and Social Dynamics
Craps tables run on a blend of tradition and unwritten rules:
- Always use one hand when throwing dice.
- Chips are placed carefully on the table, never thrown.
- Wait for the dealer’s signal before betting between rolls.
- Community energy matters—players often root collectively for the shooter, respecting both wins and losses.
A friendly attitude and observing regulars will help any beginner find their footing.
The Mathematics Behind Craps
With a house edge as low as 1.4% on Pass and Don’t Pass bets, craps offers one of the fairest games for players in the casino when sticking to recommended wagers. However, the edge can swing toward double digits with some prop bets, such as hopping bets or hardways, which is why seasoned gamblers favor core bets.
Multiple academic studies on casino gaming have shown that craps—when played optimally—can offer better long-term value than many other well-known table games. For example, the odds bet lowers the overall house advantage, making it attractive for those who seek longer play with less risk per dollar wagered.
In practice, a disciplined approach—connecting basic understanding with smart bet selection—yields the strongest outcomes.
Conclusion: Embracing Craps With Confidence
Craps’ roller-coaster energy and camaraderie enchant new and experienced gamblers alike, but at its heart, the game is built on straightforward rules and a handful of strategic bets. Learning how to play craps at a casino unlocks not only enjoyment but also better odds compared to many other games. For those starting out, focus on the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and Odds bets, observe the table’s flow, and don’t hesitate to soak up the excitement—and wisdom—shared among players at the rail.
FAQs
What is the minimum bet at a craps table?
Table minimums vary by casino, but typically range from $5 to $25. Always check the table signage before you join.
Can I skip being the shooter in craps?
Yes, you can choose to bet without rolling the dice. Simply pass the dice to the next player if you prefer not to shoot.
Are craps odds better than most casino games?
For core bets like Pass Line and taking Odds, craps offers some of the lowest house edges, which can result in a better long-term value for players compared to many other table and slot games.
How many dice are used in craps?
Craps is played with two dice rolled simultaneously, which ensures thousands of possible outcomes for each toss.
What’s the riskiest bet for beginners at the craps table?
Proposition bets in the center of the layout often have the highest house edge and volatility. Beginners are advised to avoid these until they’re more experienced.
Can I practice craps online before visiting a casino?
Yes, many casino websites and apps offer free-play craps, allowing newcomers to learn the rules and flow without risking real money.
